Island Haela Isles

[Oreki]

-Twisted Journey

Prompto seemed intent on having fun on this island called Alfheim. That was to be expected, so it's not surprising. However, "enjoying the adventure here" was definitely not something that "I have to do". To be frank, even if I did not really try to enjoy this new place, it would still be counted as me having "participated in this so-called adventure". Since all we'll be doing is just take look around, get enough supplies, and then get away from this place. That was the original plan anyway. Naturally, when we found out, we did not blame anyone. If there was someone to blame for not being informed, then all of us were to blame. That said the problem was Jimmy docked here a few days ago, searching for something, it could be said that it was not a problem. So the reality was to not attract the attention of the onlookers as we had no intention of getting ourselves involved with marine or anyone else as for the matter.

Neither pessimistic nor optimistic, I calmly waited for our business to end here.

 

[Frayz]

CURSEOFSHADOWS
PART THREE: HARLEEN - [#85]​

Last time our protagonist and his friends were searching for one of the fabled Cursed Weapons of Haela Isles while also pondering a takeover to flush it out as they await the arrival of their captain.

This trio consisted of Jimmy Frayzah, a former Marine who once led the Supernova crew of the Unwritten Pirates before finally accomplishing his personal goals of revenge and was now fiercely loyal to Nero and the Devil Pirates. Alongside him was his brother Kane Queen, a founding member of the crew who had once worked as a Cipher Pol agent. And joining the siblings was 'Crazy Hammer' Harleen Diamond, once a member of an allied crew but stuck around even after the Legion of Crown's dissolution but she had a habit of occasionally disappearing, like right now for an example. Jimmy and Kane were shocked that she was able to escape their radars so quickly even with their Haki but they had their own business and had no time for her antics. They knew she would show back up eventually and moved on with their search blissfully unaware of what she would discover.

....TO BE CONTINUED!!!

Spoiler: Edit

just fixed the last part, noticed I put anaware instead of unaware lmao

 

[Oreki]

-Quina

A few hours passed, Nero and Miyagi Kyouko were looking at rare scenery if, the woman with black hair while giving out a sense of elegance with her manners and dress doesn't seem to be moved by the sight of something beautiful, she seemed to be admiring the sight of something unusual. At any rate, they both had no interest in what was in front of them.

Miyagi spoke in a soft voice. "Nero... This smells like quina, doesn't it?"

"...Kyouko, the common phrase is 'smells fishy'.

"Eh? I can't say that it smells like quina? It's the plant that quinine is made of."

"I'm pretty sure whoever created this word will get angry if you go around mixing up phrases like that."

Nero laughed it off with a Prompto-style joke, but Nero was actually thinking the same thing as Miyagi. They seemed to be heading in an ominous direction. As Nero thought about this, he suddenly remembered they have to be on rendezvous point before evening. When Nero looked at Miyagi, she was sharply staring at a mountainous place. Her facial features were gentle, but her look was still intense that seemed like it would cut through a paper. However, Nero decides to pour cold water on her excitement.

"You won't find anything just by staring at these mountains. Or rather, there's something strange, although it doesn't seem like it."

"No, I get it let's go." Nero nodded at Miyagi, who had raised her head.

 

[Frayz]

CURSEOFSHADOWS
PART FOUR: DISTORTION - [#86]​

Jimmy and Kane's search continued through Alfheim but there was still no luck, they decided to take a break and head back to the main ports to check if Nero had arrived yet. It had been a couple of hours since her disappearance but they would soon run back into Harleen who was skipping gleefully.

“Oh hey guys. Look what I got, the power source of Mr. Gold Roger himself. Maybe I'll be the one to find that One Piece everybody is so worked up 'bout, I've just gotta figure out how they work first." she tells them while showing off a black set of spiked brass knuckles.

Jimmy could tell she had been duped and sighs, it was like her Devil Fruit all over again but maybe all was lost as he could notice they were causing something strange to occur to the surrounding shadows. If Jimmy were to be asked how to describe the phenomenon he was witnessing it would be hard for him to immediately think of an answer but a pulse or distortion effect would eventually come to mind. This could be the weapon he was looking for so he asks Harleen for a look to confirm his suspicions, she would reluctantly agree before taking one off and handing it to him. Sure enough as soon as he slips it onto his hand it's like the pair have been transported to another world completely void of light, which almost seemed impossible as they could see each other perfectly. The timing made it seem to Jimmy like the weapon had been waiting for him, or at least somebody of his calibre, to wield it.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA"

Suddenly a familiar laugh echoed throughout this strange dimension and it made Harleen quiver in her red and black coloured boots.

“Mr. J?!”

....TO BE CONTINUED!!!

Spoiler: Stats

Level 81
×5=405 (Human/MA/Mind Boost: +24 Strength, Speed, Vitality/+5 Speed, Vitality,
Strength/+5 Reaction)

Strength: 71+24+5=100

Speed: 50+24+5=79
×2=158
-Movement: 81
-Reaction: 77+5=82

Vitality: 71+24+5=100
×2=200
-Stamina: 100
-Durability: 100

Haki: 65
×2=130
-Armament: 81
-Observation(Awareness): 49

Mind: 41
×2=82
-Music: 82

Martial Arts: 100
×2=200
-Hasshoken: 100
-Sword Style: 100

 

[Oreki]

- Perhaps We Might

"Don't you think we can all stay friends forever?"

"I think you’re the only one to believe that," said Nero.

"Don't say such sad things. I want us to be together." Miyagi gave a soft sigh and smiled gently. It was totally different from the usual narrowed eyes she looks at Nero with.

"Well, it’s not like the world is full of sunshine and roses. The world acts like it doesn't know that it shaped by more than one view. Some find pleasure in tragedies."

Miyagi, who had stopped a few steps before looked at Nero. Miyagi who had initially intended to say something could only say because she knows Nero more than anyone else or at least what she thought. Loved by no one, remembered by no one. She wanted to know about his past and she wanted to reach out for.

She gave a gentle smile and slowly shook her head. "No, it's not like that."

As she starts walking again her leg twisted making her fall but before that Nero's right hand reflexively shot out and grabbed Miyagi's right wrist to pull her towards him. Her hand was warm. He ignores her reaction even though their faces were only a few centimeters apart. They both suddenly laughed out loud. The current settings reminded both of them the first time they met.

"Is this, playing lovers?" As she said as such, with slow and sluggish actions. She gave it such a name on her own, but that really gets her heart pumping. "Even though we're only at hugs and hand-holding right now y’know. It's like, at this rate, aren’t we going to end up kissing for fun? And that actually gets my heart starts pumping."

"Hmm, well that's fine too though." Nero smiled and Miyagi made a surprised face. "Do you think that's a bombshell remark? But really, that's fine too. Even if we become lovers, I'm still glad. Is it alright if I take that to mean that you're only special to me?”

"Aww, you're making me blush" To her surprise Nero had no change of expression. "Waaah, you’re actually being serious about this." After poking fun at Nero, she made a contemplative face.

Miyagi lowered her eyes and said so in a soft voice. "Perhaps, we might even do well as lovers."

 

[Frayz]

CURSEOFSHADOWS
PART FIVE: THE DARKNESS WITHIN - [#87]​

My name is Jimmy Frayzah and beside me is Harleen Diamond, we're both members of the Devil Pirates and right now it appears we're in a shared dream of some kind brought about by the cursed brass knuckles we each currently wear. I've done my research on the subject and based the limited knowledge out there, cursed weapons will test their owners in various ways that haven't been catalogued fully.

In our case the nature of the duel weapons has allowed us to experience this together but that may not necessarily be an advantage because Harleen is freaking out at the sound of laughter but it filled me with rage. Jerome Napier was once a man I thought I could control due to our aligned goals and history together but he was twisted beyond any known logic, he betrayed me to man we equally hated because the irony amused him and when I thought I had finally caught up to him for his mutiny I found only his face wrapped up in a gift box. I lied to Harleen, told him he died a heroic death for the cause. I thought she would've been crushed at the news but she reacted differently than expected, like she had been brainwashed through fear and was now finally liberated. So I can only imagine what she would be feeling right now and that's when it hits me, this cursed weapon tested people through their greatest fears. So if this was her test then mine was yet to begin.

"Very good!" I look ahead in the distance to see a shadow like figure standing behind what appears to be Mia who has tears in her eyes, their voice is eery almost like that you'd expect from a ghost, they hold a blade like object to her throat and I notice Harleen is no longer with me. Just what the hell is happening here?

"I assumed you were all ego but the great Jimmy Frayzah has solved the ultimate mystery but I assure you, just because you know what this test is will not make it any easier on yourself. Just watch, I promise your resolve will be crushed in mere hours." and as this 'dark spirit' confirms my theory it wastes little time in slashing the throat of Mia before my eyes before she falls onto a huge pile of corpses. Kane, George, Nero, they're all recognisable to me but the list would be too long to name them all.

"I'll fucking kill you!" I recall yelling as I ran forward in a rage while drawing my swords to attack, when I was close enough to attempt an air slash that's when I could see the figure properly for the first time and it was like looking at a dark reflection of myself. Everything was the same except the face of somebody who could kill anybody without hesitation and eyes completely black in colour. I no longer had to imagine what Harleen would've been feeling, this was my biggest nightmare and I was fucking terrified.

....TO BE CONTINUED!!!

 

[Oreki]

[I'll be hosting the spirit Jimmy]​

Note:- I will be referring the Spirit as Dark Jimmy

"I'll fucking kill you!" I recall yelling as I ran forward in a rage while drawing my swords to attack, when I was close enough to attempt an air slash that's when I could see the figure properly for the first time and it was like looking at a dark reflection of myself. Everything was the same except the face of somebody who could kill anybody without hesitation and eyes completely black in colour. I no longer had to imagine what Harleen would've been feeling, this was my biggest nightmare and I was fucking terrified.

"…We ought to cannibalize each other." Dark Jimmy laughed. His laugh was endlessly cruel, and that was what made him seem so unnatural. His laugh was only a starting point of an extremely twisted story. The dark eyes looked down at him with an icy gaze. It was clear at a glance; this was undoubtedly the power that stores within Jimmy Frayzah.

He took a single breath and looked up. Darkness. There was nothing before his eyes but empty space. Through the darkness, there was no voice. "I'll show you your darkest Nightmare" he murmured and then with a single look of his eye, the darkness was no longer there but the view was more hideous than before. Crimson Sky. Crimson like blood. A jet-black Sun held up the Heavens. "You're fake without your own will. obsessed with power... Even though you can see it this darkness is the result of your one wish, that dream that you follow will bring you no peace." Sadness, Anger, and resentment. And Jimmy Frayzah has to bear them all as another tragedy.

 

[Frayz]

CURSEOFSHADOWS
PART SIX: THE DARKNESS WITHIN II - [#88]​

It was his greatest nightmare that Jimmy was looking at. A pile of dead bodies, all people he cared about, with a twisted version of himself standing in front and laughing manically. Jimmy was disgusted but he could see the truth in it all, was this how some thought of him after the Punk Hazard Massacre and further incidents? This was never what he wanted but his realisations couldn't occupy him for long, this was a test after all and the Devil Pirate suspected the consequences of failure could be lethal. He had to put the cold stares of corpses to the back of his mind, they and this corrupt vision of himself were only illusions to stop him reaching his goal but maybe he was too quick in action as he rushed the spirit while attempting a combo of sword slashes using both of his blades.

....TO BE CONTINUED!!!

 

[Oreki]

He had to put the cold stares of corpses to the back of his mind, they and this corrupt vision of himself were only illusions to stop him reaching his goal but maybe he was too quick in action as he rushed the spirit while attempting a combo of sword slashes using both of his blades.

The dark spirit breathed a sigh, and the look on his face was if not only he had noticed Jimmy discomfort, it also amused him greatly. Jimmy Frayzah conviction to get rid his nightmare was almost like a bad joke. A smirk formed in his face widely as if he had visulized something. He draws his sword, a sword that brings ruin to anyone who draws it. However, most people consider these cureses mere fantasies because they have never come across any. Then Dark spirit raised his sword atop his shoulder to consists of a single top to bottom vertical slash as he carged from over twice the distance in instant.

....to be continued​

 

[Frayz]

The dark spirit breathed a sigh, and the look on his face was if not only he had noticed Jimmy discomfort, it also amused him greatly.

[LET ME IN!] ​

Jimmy Frayzah conviction to get rid his nightmare was almost like a bad joke. A smirk formed in his face widely as if he had visulized something.

[LET ME IN!] ​

He draws his sword, a sword that brings ruin to anyone who draws it. However, most people consider these cureses mere fantasies because they have never come across any.

[LET ME IN!] ​

Then Dark spirit raised his sword atop his shoulder to consists of a single top to bottom vertical slash as he carged from over twice the distance in instant.

[LET ME IN!] ​

....to be continued​

CURSEOFSHADOWS

PART SEVEN: [CRIMSON][FIEND] - [#89]
​

Jimmy knew what this was, that this was test. But yet he stood frozen, not that this twisted version of himself's words rang true but because now he sensed something even darker within himself and not just the influence of the cursed weapon. Something he had only sensed a hint of the day he was caught in a large explosion after destroying the machines of Faysal and his Project Unwritten, that day he felt like pieces of himself were starting to splinter off and form their own consciouses. And now one of the darkest of these personalities was beginning to emerge, he was a loner feared even by Jimmy's other violent personalities. Some circles in Purgatory choose not to speak of him but those who do can only describe him as a fiend. No matter why he froze, the fact remained that an attack was coming. A sword slash made from physical shadow, or as physical as it gets in this plane of existence, slices his chest and he drops to the ground appearing to be bleeding at but as he lays lifeless on a ground of pure darkness only the one sound rings through his head.....

[LET ME IN!]

.............so Jimmy decides to finally let him in..........

....TO BE CONTINUED!!!

 

[Oreki]

RAGE

.............so Jimmy decides to finally let him in..........

How the evil spirit had longed to watch, gaze ripe with malice, as Jimmy, his own existence was getting bleeding, powerless against his own dark nature. "Good. Now you will learn how powerless you truly are."

Hatred and rage were not the only things that chained his evil spirit. His need for wanting to take over has brought him long years of torment. A breath escaped his lips, somewhere between a sigh and wry laugh. "And now, return to the darkness from whence you belong."

 

[Frayz]

PART EIGHT: TWISTED - [#90]

It was a strange transformation, Jimmy seemed to collapse in some kind of a seizure before rising with a smile more twisted than ever and a cold blank stare in his eyes looking on at the spirit, he now knew what to do. He picks up his swords before crossing the blades and swinging them apart rapidly, this is Jimmy's Gust Slice technique but this new personality of his is in no mood to announce it.
The strong gust of wind moves towards its target of the spirit.

Spoiler: Gust Slice

-Gust Slice: Holding both swords so they face forward and their tips meet at an angle, the user swings them away from each other to create a powerful gust of wind to either knock opponents over or inflict damage. The user says this attack is very useful against a group of weak enemies. (Two Sword)
Requirements (DPR: Sword Mastery, Strength):
S: 100, 100
A: 81, 81
B: 61, 61
C: 41, 41
D: 21, 21

 

[Oreki]

The strong gust of wind moves towards its target of the spirit.

This was whom the cursed power had chosen, from the very start. Here was the man who, with power of this curse in hand, assume the task of banishing his own darkness to save the people he cares about. In reality, this dark spirit has longed only to see malice to crumble within him. This was his sole remaining desire.

"Your friends Jimmy." Dark spirit face twisted as those words, his eyes reflecting every single bit of hatred and anger burning within Jimmy Frayazh. Soon, he will once again learn to not have a hope to drive away the darkness that will take everything important to him.

"With destiny your opponent, how will you fight to the bitter end to save your friends?" The final, hoarse whisper trailed off, replaced by am anguished groan. Then the groan faded away, too, and there was nothing but silence.

NERO

"I have a person I want you to get along with Nero" Turning towards Nero, the same as always, a kind gaze. Seemingly embarrassed, Miyagi forcefully hit Nero in the shoulder upon not getting any reply from him. Nero raised his head to the sky, he was aware who she was talking about. Get along, huh. "You see Mia has been bold like that since the very beginning, so I thought she was a scary girl, but we got along right after we start talking. She's a good girl, Nero, so please get along with her too."

"...She won't forgive me. No matter how much you try to convince her, she won't forgive me."

She stared at Nero with a strong gaze before breaking into a smile, looking as if she had always smiling. Their time together had been short, but they were companions of the sea now. They are all friends now.

"You're putting me in a tight spot here, y'know that?" Nero said.

"That's right, but if you get involved with another woman in any other manner expect friendship l'll never forgive you!"

"Sorry, I was just joking with you." She gave her usual, hearty roar of laughter.

Nero quietly laughed as if he was trying to hide his real thoughts. Nero did think of Miyagi as someone of an romantic partner. The same could be said about Miyagi as well.

"it's so complicated."

"We're chatting a lot today."

“Only because I think I might bored in this long walk if we don't."

"Make sense." Nero awkwardly laughed as he said that.

 

[Frayz]

PART NINE: FREEDOM FOR A FIEND- [#91]

The Crimson Fiend, as he's labelled in purgatory, simply laughs as the spirit of the cursed weapon fades away now a part of himself along with its powers while in the land of consciousness the second brass knuckle flies off Harleen's hand and onto his own as they awaken from their coma like states. Harleen hugs Jimmy, relieved to be out of her nightmare but quickly realises something with him off.

"Oh no, you saw something much worse than Mister J."

Kane also returns, having taken them somewhere hidden as they'd been out a while but Jimmy just stares in deep thought which creeps the other two out. He eventually breaks the silence with a twisted laugh. This personality seeked only the total eradication of the systems that created him, it was the personification of his anger at the world itself.

"Heh-heh-heh he let me in, time to end it all."

 

[Oreki]

Prompto was tired after getting the job done but knew he wasn't going to get to sleep so easily. He was hungry, for one thing, and then there was the fact that he still wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing.

Prompto didn't want to eat when Nero arrives since he wasn't a big fan of Nero always leaving veggies in his plate. It was exactly the kind of thing on which Nero got off cracking jokes... damned if he will let Nero know about this; Prompto looked around to see whether Nero and Miyagi were walking towards the meeting point. Apparently, they were taking their sweet time to come to rendezvous, the same could be said about Kane and Jimmy.

Mia walked to join Prompto, pausing next to him. "Do you need some company?"

"Actually I need some drink."

"Then let me treat you to a drink for these guys to make us wait like that."

Prompto had no reason to refuse to Mia offer, he nodded, "Sure."

After that, they went to the nearest drinking place. Since it was a crowded island, the shop they stepped to, was crowded with all sorts of people, young and old.

"Choose whatever drink you like."

"Okay, what's the most expensive drink?"

She laughed heartedly, "I like that heedless side of yours."

"By the way, I was wondering what do you wish to do as the cycle of vengeance for you ends where Jimmy took care of everything," Prompto asked while tapping on the wooden table with his fingers.

"Mmm... do you mind it if I can't give you any detailed answer?"

"As long as we're not going way back into the past to understand you then it's fine by me." he laughed confidently.

Mia smiled at him, watching him closely. She was still not sure how did he and Nero form a friendly relationship, she had the same question for Miyagi. Wondering what exactly lead these two to ever follow Nero. She was sure the day would never come where she and Nero could ever understand each other.

Though they only see each other as just acquaintance, there was tacit agreement to behave in a friendly manner. Does Mia want to know Nero reason for doing the things he has done? She had no idea. Complicated thoughts about these things are no good.

 

[Frayz]

PART TEN: NIGHTFALL- [#92]

An hour or so had passed and it was starting to get dark. Jimmy had finally returned to his normal self but he now knew exactly what was lurking within him and it was only a matter of time before it once again broke free. As the trio heads back to reunite with Nero and the rest of the crew, Harleen holds Jimmy's hand as they walk behind Kane. It's as if the experience had created a bond between the two of them as she can notice his confliction but he could also notice hers, she had a dark secret and she'd been holding on to it for quite some time. But Jimmy chooses to ignore this for now and just enjoys the moment as good ones like this were rare in this world.....

....Eventually they meet back up with the rest of the crew before they all depart Haela Isles together.

 

[Ichimonji]

The Curse of the Howling Wind!
Night Falls! - #1
@Sea
​

MIGARD
The gentle waves rushed towards the rocky shore. The rocks were hollow and smooth, rising to form an overcast over the bright and clear ocean below. Trees sprouted from the rocks with much fervor, it’s leaves green and warm. The breeze was gentle over the Edge of Paradise in Migard.

Houses of beautiful Galtean architecture adorned the rocks among the trees. The city stretched for miles, with wooden bridges crossing every rock formation. At the edge of the island, it oversaw the bustling commerce. The Edge of Paradise guarded the lush forest behind it, plains of beauty and calm.

The sun was overcast, dropping over the horizon, it’s light begone, bringing the darkness of the light. Banging echoed through the rocks. Windows shut, door were slammed, bridges were rolled up, footsteps rushed inside, and candles were blown. From a once bustling town, with night came the absence of sound.

In the large castle-like structure carved into the tallest peak, even the Royal Army shut its doors. The moon was almost full. Today, like every night, the island shut down. Soon, howling wind swept through the rocks, finding desolate streets.

The Curse of the Howling Wind.

————————————————————

ALFHEIM

The ocean was held bare against the tall mangrove trees that uprooted from the depths. The wild roots acted as a barrier for both water and ship. Only a wild current led water from the ocean into the soggy waters that was known as Alfheim.

The waters came stuck amongst the mangrove trees, keeping the swamp island in its natural pestilence. Soon after falling in its grasp, carved trees held light within them. Various shaky bridges connected these large trees, each with their own lanterns. A lively town even in the swamp: Black Lagoon.

Through the trees, light receded. Night fell. Once more, night forced the silence. Windows shut, door were slammed, bridges were rolled up, footsteps rushed inside, and candles were blown. The wind began to howl through the roots of the mangrove, bringing with it whimpers from inside the houses

The Curse of the Howling Wind.

————————————————————

JOTUN
The ever haunting howl of the wind came at an unnerving pitch in the smallest island in the center; Jotun. Jagged ice mountains prevented passage, and thick tall pine trees prevented airfall. Snow ever fell, as if the sky cried with a soul chilled to the core. The wind howled most devilishly - many called the wind alive.

A large expanse of trees guarded the entrance to the cursed forest. There was a small path, almost hidden from the snow that snaked through the wall of pine. The wind pulled those who peeked to the depths, never to be seen again.

There was legend of a cabin in the woods for the wicke, and chains rattling in a full moon; the birth of the Howling Wind. To the dark forest where no human dared to tread.

 

[Sea]

Alfheim
@Ichimonji ​

In the lively town of Alfheim, where its citizen resides in a large swamp surrounding it in which provides natural protection to coastal problems. Due to its environment, one of the most common way to enter Alfheim is instead by the use of small boats as a form of ferry services that would be able to access the tight and narrow spaces of the trees that larger ships are unlikely to traverse. Indeed, for larger ships, a special area of Alfheim is built outside at the outskirts of the swamp for ships to dock for various purposes, where these small boats became ferry which one may take to enter the town.

In the night where most of the town are closed and citizens of the town have returned back to their homes, some seemingly hurried to do so. The town became much like a desolate wasteland into the night. Akira, whom came into town just before darkness is casted onto Haela Isles, having managed to reach towards the town square just before bridges were rolled up. It piqued Akira’s curiosity as to why the town would closed up like this when the night came. From an outsider perspective, it is certainly weird for the townsfolk, as if there is to be something happening in the night which warrant such behaviours. As for Akira, with the night coming – the young man would attempt to look for inns to stay for the night, looking around in hopes that there are some still open at this point of time. Unlike his usual garb, Akira does not wear his assassin gear, choosing to wear casual clothes instead as not to raise too much attention, however – his gear is instead carried in a small backpack in the event he would need to wear it, but otherwise only his chokuto and katana can be seen hanging onto by the waist.

Despite being a member of La Spada Pirates, Akira’s goal in Haela Isles is less malicious but more of personal curiosity, having heard of the legends that comes from the isles to a certain degree. Akira wanted to see the world on his own while he has his own time, and if circumstances were changed, perhaps even able to increase the legend and reputation of La Spada.

Spoiler

OOC: Can't see the images, so I'm just writing based on what you describe for the town.

 

[Ichimonji]

The Curse of the Howling Wind!
Night Falls in Alfheim! - #2
@Sea
​

(I reposted Black Lagoon’s pic here. You should now be able to see it. PM me if you can use it)

Alfheim - Black Lagoon
In the town of Black Lagoon, as night fell, the people boarded up. Even windows were barred, doors were adorned with a red paint above the door, and the commotion settled. Where once was a bustling town, became a town of ghosts, cowering inside.

Akira would find a downtrodden inn at the edge of town, in its own Mangrove tree. Behind him, the bridge that connected this tree to the town was rolled up - a dexterous jump would be needed to clear. The inn was carved inside a tree. The base of the humongous tree was carved to make a residence. Three of its windows on its three floors had already boarded up. In front of the large wooden door, a figure appeared at the top of the stairs.

The wind picked up, letting out a low whisper.

The old woman painted the top of the door red; on her tip-toes on the top of the large ladder. Barely avoid falling, the old woman slowly came down the stairs, sighing deeply at the bottom. The lantern she held in her free hand showed her wrinkled face. Barely 4 feet tall with a wide face as long as her body, the woman’s white hair was adorned with jewelry - a face of apprehension.

​

 

[Sea]

Alfheim
@Ichimonji ​

Walking through the town, with the only sounds were of the steps taken by Akira and the winds passing through the town occasionally. Only the creaking of wooden planks could be heard as the young man traversed through the town alone in the quiet darkness. This is until he noticed one particular bridge was rolled up to prevent normal access in which a house by the large tree stood. In the dark it was difficult to make out the building, but he was able to pick out a shadowy figure in the midst of the night, the only figure he could have seen so far. Having needed to find a place or someone to get him to a resting area, Akira had to speak to the person. Despite the bridge cutting off access, jumping from one end to another of the bridge is not a problem for a person like Akira, which prompted him to get to the other side of the bridge, situated at the edge of the town.

Here, as he approaches closer to the figure, it became clearer that it is an old woman, painting the top of the building’s door red. Come to think of it, some of the houses do seem to have another scratch of paint on the door as well, but without closer inspection the colour is quite difficult to make out even from a small distance in the night. But considering what he saw closely by the door, one can assume this colour are likely the same as those on the doors of the other buildings that he observed earlier. Perhaps it is some kind of superstition in this town? He cannot be sure but for now it is not truly his problem at hand. Approaching the old lady by her front, Akira spoke politely – not wanting to scare her into falling down.

“Good evening Madam, may I ask if there is any lodging for travellers to rest?”